Lomandra Plant Named ‘Seascape’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of  Lomandra  plant named ‘Seascape’ characterized by a compact growth habit and narrow grey-green leaves.

Botanical Classification: Lomandra confertifolia ssp rubiginosa.

Variety Denomination: ‘Seascape’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present Invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Lomandra plant, botanically known as Lomandra confertifolia ssp rubiginosa, and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘Seascape’. The new cultivar was discovered and selected as a single plant growing within a bed of Lomandra plants in a greenhouse. The exact parents are unknown. The cultivar ‘Seascape’ was discovered in 2001 in Merimbula in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

The first asexual reproduction of the new Lomandra was in 2001 by division in Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia. The unique features of this new Lomandra are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘Seascape’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘Seascape’ as a new and distinct cultivar:

-   -   1. Compact growth habit.     -   2. Grey-green leaf color.     -   3. Narrow leaves.

The closest comparison cultivar is Lomandra ‘SIR5’. Lomandra ‘Seascape’ is different from ‘SIR5’ in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. ‘Seascape’ has a more compact habit than ‘SIR5’.     -   2. ‘Seascape’ has shorter leaves than ‘SIR5’.     -   3. ‘Seascape’ has grey-green leaves. The leaves of ‘SIR5’ are         green.     -   4. ‘Seascape’ has grey-purple basal shoots. The shoots of ‘SIR5’         are brown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying photograph illustrates the distinguishing traits of Lomandra ‘Seascape’.

The photograph at the top of the sheet is an overall view of a 16 month old plant.

The photograph at the bottom of the sheet is a close-up view of flowers.

The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new Lomandra has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following is a detailed description of the new Lomandra cultivar named ‘Seascape’. Data was collected Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia from 16 month old plants raised in 20 cm. pots in commercial grade, soil-less potting mix. In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, 1995 Edition.

-   Botanical classification: Lomandra confertifolia ssp rubiginosa     cultivar ‘Seascape’. -   Parentage:     -   -   Female parent.—Unknown.         -   Male parent.—Unknown.         -   Propagation.—Tissue Culture or Division.         -   Root description.—Fine and fibrous. -   Plant description:     -   -   Growth habit.—‘Seascape’ is a short, rhizomatous plant             forming a compact tussock. Average plant height is 50 cm and             average plant spread is 75 cm.         -   Leaves.—Shape, subulate; Width narrow 3-4 mm at base             narrowing to the tip, average length 45 cm, upper and lower             side color of leaf yellow-green (RHS 137A), surface texture             strongly glaucous resulting in an overall foliage color             gray-green approx (RHS 189A); leaf margin recurved, entire;             leaf apex acute; venation pattern parallel, color             yellow-green (RHS 137A); in cross-section, emerging new             leaves flat and mature leaves concave.         -   Basal sheath.—Color grey-purple (187A).         -   Rhizomes.—Absent to very short.         -   Inflorescence.—Panicle, length 20-40 mm, average width 20-25             mm, male flowers only, predominant color of inflorescence at             anthesis yellow (5A).         -   Floret.—Sessile, average length 3 mm, diameter 2.5 mm.         -   Pedicels.—Present. Length 4-5 mm, diameter 1-1.5 mm.         -   Pedicel color.—127A.         -   Bracts.—Number 4, length 2-3 mm, width 1-1.5 mm, apex acute,             margin entire.         -   Bract color.—Grey-brown 200B. -   Flowers:     -   -   Tepals.—3 free, shape elliptical, length 1-2 mm, width 1 mm,             apex acute, base obtuse, margin entire.         -   Tepal color.—Upper surface red-purple 59A, lower surface             red-purple 59A.         -   Petals.—Number 4, shape elliptical, length 3 mm, width 1.25             mm, apex acute, base obtuse, margin entire.         -   Petal color.—Upper surface yellow 5A, lower surface yellow             5A.         -   Flower peduncle.—Length 18 cm, diameter 3 mm, color 127A.         -   Flowering period.—From the spring through to mid-late fall             in Australia.         -   Lastingness of inflorescence.—Approximately 3-4 weeks. -   Reproductive organs: Female only. -   Fragrance: Medium, typical of Lomandra. -   Seed: Seed production has not been observed. -   Environmental tolerances: Has shown potential for shade tolerance.     The winter hardiness of is to −2° C. Excellent drought tolerance. -   Disease Resistance: Good resistance to root rot. -   Pest Resistance: Has not been observed. 

1. A new and distinct variety of Lomandra plant named ‘Seascape’, as described and illustrated. 